Wildfires Burn Over 221,000 Acres, Death Toll Now At 31

CALIFORNIA — As strong winds remain in the forecast near the fires burning in Northern California, crews continue the grim task of locating and identifying those who perished in the flames.

The death toll has now risen to 31 across 4 fires, and officials expect that number to climb as hundreds are still unaccounted for.

Overnight firefighters continued their battle against 17 wildfires that have burned 221,754 acres. Several of the wildfires merged with other fires, while full containment was made on three others – one in Kern County, one in Calaveras, and a third in Sonoma.

There are currently about 8,000 firefighters working round the clock, with more resources on order from other states. There are 10 engines and 2 hand crews from the Cal Fire Madera-Mariposa-Merced Unit assigned to fires in other units.

While several of the fires experienced winds overnight, they were relatively light, but a Red Flag Warning has been issued for later tonight when winds are expected to increase again, with gusts up to 45 mph .

Some 3,500 homes and other structures have been destroyed.

Hundreds of additional fire engines and firefighters have begun to arrive from several other states, not only to help relieve crews on the front lines, but to be ready for the possibility of new wildfires that may ignite during the Red Flag Warnings.

With wildfire risk high, residents are urged to remain prepared for wildfires. Learn more by visiting www.ReadyForWildfire.org.